A Perfect Day Exploring Kreuzberg, Berlin According to a Local Tastemaker
WRITTEN BY KIM BENJAMIN, LOCAL TCC TASTEMAKER IN BERLIN
Welcome to the lively and artistic neighbourhood of Kreuzberg in Berlin! All year round, this area offers a mix of cultural experiences, delicious food, and nice scenery (both urban and green).
In the summer and fall, my preferred way to get around the city is by bike. You can find bike-sharing services through apps like Nextbike, Uber, Free Now, or Bolt and you can find these bikes all over the city. They're a flexible and affordable way to travel because you can pick them up and drop them off almost anywhere.
On Saturdays, I love starting my day with brunch at Two Trick Pony in the Bergmannkiez area. It’s a chic spot known for their innovative and tasty breakfast and lunch options. They don’t take reservations so there may be a line but the service is quick so you won’t have to wait long.
If you have some time to kill before getting seated, head to Südstern Farmers Market down the street. This colorful market has lots of fresh local produce, handmade gifts, flowers and food stalls that include pinsa (a Roman hand-pressed pizza), oysters and even champagne. The most enjoyable part is observing the lively social scene with people from the surrounding neighborhood and those from other areas that come to Südstern to shop and to hang out.
Once you’re settled at your table at Two Trick Pony, I recommend trying their coconut bread toast or any of their egg dishes. You can’t go wrong there as the menu changes based on the season and what fresh ingredients are available. They also have great coffee, cakes and delicious cocktails! The owners and employees are always fantastic, which really makes the experience.
MEET KIM
Kim, the curator of this perfect Berlin afternoon, is one of our Local Tastemakers in Germany. A San Fran native, Kim has lived in Berlin since 2010 and has special expertise in food, drink and culture in Berlin.
After brunch and the market, it’s time to see some art and learn a bit about German history. I suggest riding a bike to the Jewish Museum, Berlinische Galerie and König Gallery, which are all nearby.
At the Jewish Museum, you can see interesting exhibits about Jewish life and history in Germany. The building, designed by Daniel Libeskind, is a work of art itself with zigzagging titanium zinc façade. Be sure to stop by the Diaspora Garden in the inner courtyard.
The Berlinische Galerie is a museum of modern art, photography and architecture with connections to Berlin and the König Gallery, located in an old brutalist church, shows works from emerging and established international artists represented by the gallery. This building won the Berlin Architecture Prize in 2016 and is worth seeing on its own.
Once you've had your fill our art exploration, you might be ready for a snack. A short ride away along the Landwehrkanal is Hallesches Haus, located in an early 1900s building that was a post office and then a nightclub called Horst, this space is now known for its spacious, well-designed and bright interior and delectable brunch, coffee and cakes. Treat yourself to a slice of homemade lemon olive oil cake paired with a perfectly brewed cup of coffee in the garden. Their store is perfectly curated with unique and stylish items perfect for the home or as gifts.
It’s time to make your way to Tempelhofer Feld, the vast former West Berlin airport turned urban park. Enjoy a leisurely bike cruise along the open runways next to roller bladers, runners, kiters, and walkers - one complete lap around the external runway is 6 KM. As the day winds down, do as the locals do and take a seat on a bench or on the grass around the feld to watch the sunset unfold.
For dinner, check out one of my favorites La Côte in the Schillerkiez area. They serve dishes inspired by France and Southern Europe in the form of shared plates as well as heartier mains. If you’re in the mood for good cocktails or wine, they have this covered as well. The place has a great vibe so it’s easy to spend hours there but keep in mind that early reservations have a two-hour limit. If you plan to stay up late, the later reservations don’t have a time limit or you can keep the fun going with the bars in the area. I hope you had a great time exploring Kreuzberg like a local with me!
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